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A telescope-design directional neutron spectrometer
F d'Errico1, V Giusti, M Reginatto
1Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. francesco.derrico@yale.edu
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|September 9, 2004
Summary
This study introduces a novel directional neutron spectrometer utilizing a superheated emulsion and a nylon moderating sphere. It accurately measures neutron energy and direction in mixed radiation fields for nuclear industry applications.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear physics
- Radiation detection and measurement
Background:
- Neutron spectrometry is crucial for radiation monitoring in the nuclear power industry.
- Existing methods face challenges in mixed neutron/photon fields and determining spatial radiation source characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a directional neutron spectrometer for mixed radiation fields.
- To enable few-channel spectrometry and accurate neutron energy/direction determination.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a superheated emulsion detector within a nylon-6 moderating sphere.
- Employed a telescope-design with a narrow solid angle detector.
- Generated a response matrix using monoenergetic neutron calibrations and Monte Carlo simulations.
- Implemented a maximum entropy-based double-differential unfolding method.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated strong angular dependence of the spectrometer's response due to the hydrogenous sphere.
- Successfully determined the system's response matrix.
- Developed an unfolding method incorporating a priori information.
Conclusions:
- The developed directional spectrometer is suitable for mixed neutron/photon fields up to 10 MeV.
- It offers effective attenuation of lateral neutrons, enhancing directional sensitivity.
- The system provides a robust tool for characterizing spatially distributed radiation sources.